Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office

Afghanistan: NATO

Lord Truscott: To ask Her Majesty's Government what discussions they have had within NATO to maintain an Alliance presence in Afghanistan.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: We have spoken a number of NATO Allies in recent days about the situation in Afghanistan. The Prime Minister has spoken to US President Biden, French President Macron, German Chancellor Merkel, Prime Minister Rutte and the NATO Secretary General. The Foreign Secretary has spoken to his US, French, Dutch, Danish and Turkish counterparts. We continue to work closely with our partners to assess how to address risks concerning terrorism most effectively and will continue to be at the forefront of the humanitarian response in Afghanistan.

Afghanistan: Airports

Lord Taylor of Warwick: To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to ensure that the open routes to Kabul airport remain safe to travel through.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: Conditions on the ground remain extremely challenging but we are doing everything we can to manage the situation as safely and securely as possible. We aim to bring out hundreds of British nationals, diplomats and Afghan interpreters a day. We are in close contact with our partners and allies about the security situation, including working with the US to help ensure the security and viability of the airport.

Afghanistan: Overseas Aid

Lord Alton of Liverpool: To ask Her Majesty's Government how they anticipate that the 10 per cent increase in aid to Afghanistan, announced by the Foreign Secretary on 17 August, will be used; and whether delivery of that aid will be contingent on (1) the Taliban demonstrating that there have been no revenge killings or imprisonment of their political opponents, (2) girls' schools remaining open, and (3) the distribution of all aid through NGOs.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The UK remains committed to supporting the people of Afghanistan. We have provided £3.3 billion of aid funding since 2002, which has helped improve the rights of all Afghans, including women and minority groups. These developments must not be lost. The UK will continue to be at the forefront of the humanitarian response in Afghanistan. On Wednesday 18 August, the Foreign Secretary announced a £286 million package of support for Afghanistan that will significantly increase our humanitarian support, providing life-saving assistance to people affected by conflict, drought and COVID-19.

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Animal Products: Imports

Baroness Fookes: To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have (1) to ban the import of animals killed by trophy hunters, and (2) to introduce related penalties for offenders.

Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park: The Government takes the conservation of endangered species very seriously, which is why we are banning the import of hunting trophies from endangered species, as set out in the Government’s manifesto. Our approach will be comprehensive, robust and effective and will deliver the change we promised to help protect thousands of species worldwide. We will be setting out our plans soon.